Our culture is not really a patient one. Many people get upset with the mildest of inconveniences. But maybe God is working through the inconvenience for something bigger.

In what ways might you lose your patience?

This weekend, we are continuing our series called “Meeting Jesus at the Cross”. Where we are looking at different people that met Jesus at the cross. Today, we meet a man who was severely inconvenienced.

What do you know about the crucifixion process?

Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. 17 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). —John 19:16-17 (NIV)

Imagine this scene. Jesus has been beaten and weakened. Then he has to pick up his cross, walk through the streets of Jerusalem, up the hill, and finally to the place of the Skull.

What comes to mind with this journey?
Why do you think they made him carry his own cross?

As Jesus makes his way through the streets, he collapses under the weight of the cross. No one is there to help Jesus (think about that for a second)… and so the soldiers force someone to help.

A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. —Mark 15:21 (NIV)

Cyrene is a large city in modern day Libya about 800 miles from Jerusalem. It was a city with a large Jewish population.

Why might have Simon been traveling into Jerusalem?
Why might have the soldiers chosen Simon out of the crowd?

The simple truth is, they make a convenient choice …“YOU – carry the cross!” But what was convenient for the soldiers was extremely inconvenient for Simon. … It was not part of Simon’s plan.

In what ways would this be an emotionally draining task?

Possibly the most inconvenient thing was that now Simon is unclean.

Why would this be an issue?

The very purpose for which Simon has come to Jerusalem is taken away. All his plans have come to nothing. But maybe, God had some different plans.

Consider Mark 15:21 and Romans 16:13.
Why would Mark tell us that he is the father of Alexander and Rufus?

How might this story tie into Matthew 16:24?

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. —Matthew 16:24 (NIV)

Taking up the cross of Christ is never convenient, but it is always convicting.

How will you carry the cross this week?